Review – Underoath – Erase Me

Underoath have returned to the scene after an 8 year absence with what is their most edgy and fiercest album to date, the nostalgic ones of the band are probably going to have to take a seat while listening. It’s amazing their name is still recognized through all ages. It could be argued they aren’t relevant anymore but their new and revised sound would say something very different even with the disregard of a ‘christian’ background influencing the overall outcome. “Erase Me” is less of a return to form and more of a rebirth. From the fiery opener “It Has To Start Somewhere” to the eerie and climactic closer “I Gave Up,” it’s very clear this isn’t your, nostalgic childhood Underoath anymore, but there is a hint still there.

The current line-up of the band is lead vocalist Spencer Chamberlain, drummer and clean vocalist Aaron Gillespie, lead guitarist and backing vocalist Timothy McTague, rhythm guitarist James Smith, bassist Grant Brandell, and keyboardist Christopher Dudley.

Let’s take a trip back to the previous albums:

They’re Only Chasing Safety: They’re Only Chasing Safety is the fourth album by American post-hardcore band Underoath. The album was released on June 15, 2004, through Solid State Records.

Definitely The Great Line: Define the Great Line is the fifth album by the at the time noted as Christian rock band Underoath. The album was released in the United States on June 20, 2006, along with a limited edition version containing exclusive artwork and DVD.

Notable tracks include, “Writing On The Walls“, ” In Regards To Myself“, “You Are Ever So Inviting” and “A Moment Suspended In Time”

Lost In The Sound Of Separation: Lost in the Sound of Separation is the sixth album by American metalcore band Underoath.

Disambiguation: Ø (Disambiguation) is the seventh studio album by American metalcore band Underoath. Released on November 9, 2010, through Tooth & Nail Records,the album was the band’s only without founding member Aaron Gillespie who went on to pursue his solo project, The Almost.

Notable tracks include, “Paper Lung“, “In Division”

One stand out track is, “No Frame” offering a new twist to Underoath’s sound with some ominous echoes of synthesized melodic sound and some surreal emphasis on the tracks vocals that is really piercing. “No Frame” is definitely one of their most experimental tracks to date. Chris Dudley’s electronic beats back up Spencer and Aaron’s restricted vocals, slowly building the track to end on an epic note.

“ihateit” is one other stand out track that brings alot to the table being a slower song on the album. “Ihateit” is definitely a song about being unhappy about the circumstances of a certain feeling of regret, angst, and anxiety that you’re having and there is so much emotion in Spencer’s vocals that you can really be taken away.

The track “Bloodlust” is really a reminiscent look into the past of their, “Disambiguation” album with the heavy break downs and intense melodical vocals. The song is really solid and delivers to the new and old fans of Underoath.

“Rapture” was the second track released to the masses. The track is an obvious decided shift for the band. It offers metalcore breakdowns and throat-shredding screams, it’s a straight-ahead hard rock anthem for the album.

“On My Teeth” being the first track released was definitely a surprise to all who heard it. The track offers a shrill electronic intro to welcome Spencer’s vocals that are vigorously backed with a colossal build up of rhythmic and energetic drums.

Overall, I can really say aside from breaking away from the christian influence Underoath is bringing their own edginess and profound experimentation and retained energetic vocals by Aaron and Spencer and also keep their surreal and melodic ambiance. Underoath hit this album out the park to make a well rounded album regardless of the scrutiny. It’s safe to say that a louder, heavier, more mature, and rebuilt Underoath is back. Any questions?